UAF ANNOUNCES MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH APPOINTMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 1996
Fairbanks, Alaska - University of Alaska Fairbanks Athletics and Recreation Director Kelly Higgins announced today that Al Sokaitis, head coach of the University of Southern Maine, has accepted the position of Head Men's Basketball Coach at UAF. Sokaitis brings to UAF 20 years of successful coaching experience in the collegiate and high school ranks.
Along with coaching, Sokaitis developed the REACH (Reach for Excellence through Academics, Competition and Humanity) program for schools, and has served as the Maine Special Olympics Basketball Program Director. In addition to his extensive community involvement in Maine, Sokaitis has for more than 10 years conducted a number of summer basketball camps throughout Alaska.
"I'm pleased we're able to bring to UAF the breadth of experience and Alaska connections that Al Sokaitis has to offer," said Higgins. "I applaud the efforts of the search committee and its tireless efforts. Its ability to identify excellent candidates showed a high level of dedication to the process and the program. We had outstanding candidates."
Highlights of Coach Sokaitis' career include four NCAA tournament appearances, four league titles, a New England Championship as coach at North Adams State College and three coach of the year selections. On three occasions Sokaitis has worked with touring Olympic teams, and he's been an invited speaker at the NCAA Final Four seven times, the only NCAA Division III coach to do so.
"It's hard to leave Southern Maine," Sokaitis said. "But it's like I tell my players, when life gives you an opportunity, you have to take advantage of it. UAF is a great chance for me to direct a basketball program in an environment I want to live and raise my family in. I'm looking forward to all the challenges and opportunities of coaching at UAF, especially the chance to rally Alaska behind the Nanook program."
Sokaitis is expected to be in Fairbanks sometime next week.
CONTACT: UAF Men's Basketball
Coach Search Committee Chair Mike Sfraga, (907) 474-7317.
UAF News releases available electronically at: http:// www.uaf.edu/univrel/media
DPD/7-18-96/97-005